Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

It was a chilly autumn day when my grandma first taught me how to make her famous Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole. I can still remember the warmth of her kitchen, the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic, and the comforting crunch of the buttery Ritz crackers. As I watched her carefully layer the tender squash, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping, I knew this dish was something special.

Years later, that recipe has become a staple in my own home. Whenever I make Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole, it transports me back to those cozy afternoons with my grandma. The flavors are so perfectly balanced, the texture so wonderfully satisfying, that it’s no wonder it’s become a family favorite. This casserole isn’t just delicious – it’s a hug on a plate, a comforting reminder of love and togetherness.

Why This Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

What makes this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole so special? It’s all in the details. The key is striking the perfect balance between the tender, buttery squash, the rich and creamy sauce, and the irresistible crunch of the Ritz cracker topping. It’s a flavor and texture combination that’s simply out of this world.

The secret lies in the careful layering of the ingredients. By alternating the squash, sauce, and cracker mixture, you create a casserole that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious. The Ritz crackers, when baked to golden perfection, provide a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the silky, cheesy filling. And the touch of garlic and onion powder takes the whole dish to the next level, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced – The foundation of the dish, providing a tender, slightly sweet base.
• 1 cup sour cream – This adds a tangy richness that balances the other flavors beautifully.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – The creamy, savory sauce that brings everything together.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For a lovely melty, gooey texture.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed – The star of the show, delivering that signature crunch.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted – To ensure the cracker topping bakes up perfectly crispy.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a subtle, aromatic depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Enhancing the overall savory notes.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To season the dish to perfection.

With these simple, high-quality ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole that’s truly worthy of being a family favorite.

Step-by-Step Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Instructions

Preparing Your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a breeze to make, with a total prep and cook time of just 50 minutes. You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish, a knife for slicing the squash, and a mixing bowl for combining the ingredients.

1- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, wash and slice the 2 pounds of yellow squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced squash, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together until the squash is evenly coated.

3- Next, spread half of the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top it with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, then the remaining squash mixture.

4- In a small bowl, crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5- Sprinkle the seasoned Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

6- Bake the Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole for 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Don’t skimp on the squash – use a full 2 pounds for the best texture and flavor.
2. Slice the squash into uniform, thin rounds for even cooking. This will ensure the entire casserole bakes through perfectly.
3. For an extra creamy texture, consider using a combination of sour cream and cream cheese in the filling.
4. Sprinkle a bit of crushed bacon or chopped fresh herbs on top for a flavor boost.
5. Experiment with different cheese varieties, like Parmesan or Gruyère, for a twist on the classic.
6. Cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the topping from browning too quickly.

Serving and Storing Your Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Perfect Pairings for Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

This Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a fantastic main dish that serves 6 people, but it also makes a wonderful side to a variety of meals. Try pairing it with a simple grilled chicken or baked salmon for a well-rounded, comforting dinner.

For a heartier meal, serve the casserole alongside a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli. And don’t forget the bread – a crusty loaf or fluffy dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to soak up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a light, refreshing beer would complement the flavors beautifully. For a family-friendly option, iced tea or lemonade would also be a delightful pairing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is the perfect dish to make ahead of time. Once baked, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

For easy meal prep, you can even assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it a breeze to throw together on a busy weeknight.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole

Creative Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Variations

While the classic Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a tried-and-true favorite, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a seasonal twist, try using a mix of summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, or swap in butternut squash for a heartier, autumnal take.

You can also experiment with the cheese, using a blend of cheddar and Parmesan for a more complex flavor, or even adding in some crumbled feta or goat cheese. And for a little extra zing, stir in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

Making Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole Diet-Friendly

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole can also be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts, like almond or pecan.

To make it vegan, replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream or coconut yogurt, and use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup. You can also top the casserole with a mixture of crushed nuts, breadcrumbs, and melted vegan butter for that signature crunch.

For a low-carb spin, skip the Ritz crackers entirely and use a blend of pork rinds and Parmesan cheese for the topping. And if you’re watching your calories, you can cut back on the cheese and butter without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of squash besides yellow squash?
A: Absolutely! Yellow squash works great, but you can also use zucchini, a mix of summer squashes, or even butternut squash for a heartier, more autumnal version.

Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook the Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole?
A: In total, the prep and cook time for this recipe is 50 minutes. The prep time is 15 minutes, and the cook time is 35 minutes.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. It also keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days after baking.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole recipe serves 6 people.

Q: What if my casserole topping isn’t getting crispy enough?
A: If the Ritz cracker topping isn’t browning as much as you’d like, try broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. You can also try increasing the amount of melted butter in the topping mixture.

Print

Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Squash Casserole is a true classic that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its perfect balance of tender squash, creamy sauce, and irresistible crunchy topping, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and utterly delicious.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise it’ll transport you right back to those cozy memories, just like it does for me. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!